Provided program, provided device, and provided method

Abstract

To understand and address a state of an infant who is a person other than a user.SOLUTION: A provision program according to the present application is characterized to cause a computer to execute: an acquisition procedure that acquires analysis information indicating a result analyzing meconium of an infant; and a provision procedure that provides characteristic information indicating a characteristic of the infant and countermeasure information indicating how to address the infant depending on the characteristic information, to a user having a predetermined relationship with the infant (for example, a mother of the infant or the like), on the basis of analysis information acquired by the acquisition procedure.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a providing program, a providing apparatus and a providing method. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, a technique for determining a user's constitution using intestinal flora is known. As an example of such a technique, there is known a technique for determining whether an individual subject's sample (feces) is a sample associated with the prevalence of seasonal allergic rhinitis. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2021-126091 [Brief Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] However, with the above-described conventional technology, there are cases where it cannot be said that the state of infants, who are not users, can be understood and handled.

[0005] For example, the above-described conventional technology can only grasp the state of the individual user, and there are cases where it cannot be said that the state of infants, who are not users, can be understood and handled.

[0006] The present application has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to understand and handle the state of infants, who are not users. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0007] The program provided according to the present application is characterized by causing a computer to execute an acquisition procedure for acquiring analytical information showing the results of analyzing the meconium of an infant, and a provision procedure for providing characteristic information showing the characteristics of the infant and child, and response information showing how to deal with the infant and child according to the characteristic information, to a user who has a predetermined relationship with the infant and child. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the system, it is possible to understand and address the condition of infants and young children who are not users. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows an example of the processing according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows an example of a user information database according to the present invention. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the provisioning process executed by the information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows an example of a hardware configuration. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The following matters become clear from this specification and the accompanying drawings:

[0011] A provisioning program characterized by causing a computer to execute an acquisition procedure for acquiring analytical information showing the results of analyzing the meconium of an infant, and a provision procedure for providing characteristic information showing the characteristics of the infant and child, and action information showing how to deal with the infant and child according to the characteristic information, to a user who has a predetermined relationship with the infant and child.

[0012] For example, research is being conducted to determine an infant's allergic tendencies by collecting and analyzing meconium. Based on such research, a program that estimates an infant's constitution from meconium can provide information indicating the infant's physical characteristics (constitution) based on the results of meconium analysis, as well as information on appropriate responses, in situations where, for example, after birth, users (mothers, etc.) have to raise their infant while worrying about their constitution, allergies, etc., until the first check-up (e.g., the one-month check-up). This allows users to deepen their understanding of their infant's constitution and grasp how to deal with it, thereby alleviating anxiety in child-rearing.

[0013] Furthermore, the provided program provides characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the infant's skin, and treatment information indicating how to treat the infant according to those characteristics.

[0014] According to such programs, for example, when raising infants, skin problems in infants and toddlers are particularly noticeable, leading users to often feel anxious about whether it is caused by allergies or atopic dermatitis, poor parenting methods, or a genetic predisposition inherited from the parents. In such situations, if the user can maintain the infant's skin in a healthy state, the results of the user's actions towards the infant will be visibly apparent, thereby increasing the user's self-efficacy in parenting.

[0015] Furthermore, the provided program provides the aforementioned information relating to articles that correspond to the aforementioned characteristics and are used for the care of infants and young children.

[0016] Such a service program can improve convenience by providing information on items (underwear, diapers, baby wipes, food, skincare products, etc.) that are suitable for the physical characteristics of infants and young children (such as skin characteristics).

[0017] Further, the providing program further comprises: a distribution step of distributing content related to a service for performing meconium analysis to the user; a receiving step of receiving related information associated with the infant from the user via the content distributed in the distribution step; and an estimation step of estimating characteristics of the infant based on the related information received in the receiving step, wherein in the providing step, if the analysis information is not obtained in the obtaining step, information indicating the characteristics estimated in the estimation step and the handling information corresponding to said characteristics are provided, and if the analysis information is obtained in the obtaining step, the analysis information, the characteristic information based on the characteristics estimated in the estimation step, and the handling information corresponding to the characteristic information are provided.

[0018] According to such a providing program, for example, since there is a possibility of giving anxiety to the user during the period from when meconium is collected until the constitution such as allergy is identified, providing information corresponding to the skin characteristics of the infant estimated based on the constitution of the infant's parent and information corresponding to the result of the user's actual skin care for the infant before the analysis result is obtained can alleviate the user's anxiety. Further, for example, after the meconium analysis result is obtained, in addition to the analysis result, information based on information such as the constitution of the infant's parent and the result of the user's actual skin care for the infant (in other words, the actual skin characteristics of the infant) can be provided, thereby improving the accuracy of the information.

[0019] Further, the providing program receives the related information indicating at least one of information on dietary preference of the infant's parent or information on skin characteristics of the infant's parent.

[0020] According to such a providing program, for example, information on factors estimated to influence the skin characteristics of the infant, such as the dietary preference of the infant's parent and the skin characteristics of the infant's parent, can be received, and the skin characteristics of the infant can be estimated, thereby improving the accuracy of the estimation.

[0021] Further, the providing program accepts said related information indicating information on the mother's dietary preference, activity amount, or sleep status during pregnancy with the infant.

[0022] According to such a providing program, information on factors presumed to affect the skin characteristics of an infant, such as the mother's dietary preference, activity amount, or sleep status (life rhythm, etc.) during pregnancy with the infant, can be accepted to estimate the skin characteristics of the infant, thereby improving the estimation accuracy.

[0023] Further, the providing program accepts said related information indicating at least any one of information on pregnancy records for the infant or information on childcare records for the infant.

[0024] According to such a providing program, information on factors presumed to affect the skin characteristics of an infant, such as information on pregnancy records for the infant (fetal growth records, the mother's dietary history, etc.) and information on childcare records for the infant (lactation, sleep, diaper change, skin care, skin condition, etc.), can be accepted to estimate the skin characteristics of the infant, thereby improving the estimation accuracy.

[0025] Further, the providing program further provides a message corresponding to a coping action performed by the user on the infant, based on at least any one of information on pregnancy records for the infant or information on childcare records for the infant.

[0026] According to such a providing program, for example, a message praising information input can be provided to a user who has properly input information such as childcare records; when the coping action performed by the user on the infant before the meconium analysis result is obtained is appropriate for the analysis result, a message stating that the user has closely observed the infant and performed appropriate coping can be provided, thereby enhancing the user's self-efficacy for childcare.

[0027] Furthermore, the program accepts the aforementioned related information, which includes information regarding the skin condition of the infant.

[0028] Such a service program allows for the collection of information, for example, about the results of users actually performing skin care on infants, and enables the estimation of the characteristics of the infant's skin, thereby improving the accuracy of the estimation.

[0029] Furthermore, if the user has not applied for the service while pregnant, the program will provide the user with application information regarding the application for the service.

[0030] According to such a service provision program, for example, by distributing content related to a service that analyzes meconium, such as the results of a simple estimation of the characteristics of infant skin, it is possible to pique the interest of users and guide them to sign up for the service, thus efficiently guiding users to the service.

[0031] Furthermore, the program includes a setting procedure for configuring the birth plan of the infant to include information regarding the collection of meconium from the infant, when the user applies for the service.

[0032] Such a service program allows, for example, if a user applies for a service to analyze meconium, the collection of meconium can be incorporated into the birth plan at the hospital where the delivery will take place, thereby improving convenience.

[0033] Furthermore, the provided program further provides the user with predetermined content corresponding to the characteristic information.

[0034] Such a service program can improve convenience by providing content such as advice on skincare tailored to the specific skin characteristics of infants and toddlers, and content for communication among users raising infants with similar skin characteristics.

[0035] Below, an example of an embodiment for implementing the provided program, providing device, and providing method (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that this embodiment does not limit the provided program, providing device, and providing method. Furthermore, the same parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals in the following embodiments, and redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0036] [Embodiment] [1. An example of the processing method] The provisioning process implemented by the provided program, etc., of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the provisioning process according to this embodiment. In Figure 1, it is assumed that the provisioning process, etc., according to this embodiment is implemented by the information processing device 10 of this embodiment.

[0037] As shown in Figure 1, the provision processing system 1 according to this embodiment includes an information processing device 10, a terminal device 100, and an analysis server 200. They are connected to each other via wired or wireless means through a network N (see, for example, Figure 2). Network N is, for example, a WAN (Wide Area Network) such as the Internet. Note that the provision processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 may include multiple information processing devices 10, multiple terminal devices 100, and multiple analysis servers 200.

[0038] The information processing device 10 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device that performs information provision processing, and can be implemented, for example, by a server device or a cloud system. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the information processing device 10 provides various information related to childcare to users (mothers, fathers, etc.) who are raising infants.

[0039] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may also function as a web server providing a website related to the service. Alternatively, the information processing device 10 may be a device that distributes information to be displayed on applications related to various services installed on the terminal device 100. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may be a server that distributes the application data itself.

[0040] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may function as a distribution device that distributes control information to the terminal device 100. Here, the control information is written using, for example, a scripting language such as JavaScript® or a stylesheet language such as CSS (Cascading Style Sheets). Note that the application itself distributed from the information processing device 10 may also be considered as control information.

[0041] The terminal device 100 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device used by the user. The terminal device 100 can be implemented as, for example, a smartphone, tablet, notebook PC (Personal Computer), desktop PC, mobile phone, or PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The terminal device 100 displays information distributed by the information processing device 10, etc., using a web browser or application. In the example shown in Figure 1, the terminal device 100 is a smartphone used by the user.

[0042] The analysis server 200 shown in Figure 1 is an information processing device managed by a designated analysis institution that analyzes meconium from infants, and can be implemented as a server device or a cloud system, for example. For example, the analysis server 200 manages analysis information indicating the physical and mental characteristics of infants, which are revealed by analyzing the meconium of infants. Specifically, the analysis server 200 manages analysis information indicating physical characteristics such as the presence or absence of allergies, the presence or absence of atopic dermatitis, the presence or absence of asthma, skin type (e.g., sensitivity to stimuli), and sensitivity to food stimuli (e.g., sensitivity to changes in taste and the intensity of taste). The analysis server 200 also manages analysis information indicating mental characteristics such as lifestyle rhythm, susceptibility to disruption of lifestyle rhythm, sensitivity to stimuli, and temperament. Note that the analysis of meconium may be performed using known techniques such as the analysis of the intestinal microbiota in meconium or the analysis of metabolites in meconium.

[0043] The following explanation will use Figure 1 to describe the processing performed by the information processing device 10. In the following explanation, the terminal device 100 is assumed to be a smartphone used by user U1, who is the mother of infant B1. In the following explanation, the terminal device 100 may be treated as the same as user U1. That is, in the following, user U1 can be read as terminal device 100.

[0044] First, the information processing device 10 delivers content related to a service for analyzing meconium (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "analysis service") to the terminal device 100 (step S1). Here, at the time of step S1, it is assumed that user U1 is pregnant with infant B1 and has not applied for the analysis service. In such a case, the information processing device 10 delivers content related to a so-called Q&A service (question and answer service) about infant B1's skin, with the aim of getting user U1 interested in the physical characteristics of infant B1 and the analysis service.

[0045] Next, the information processing device 10 receives relevant information related to infant B1 via the content distributed to the terminal device 100 in step S1 (step S2). For example, the information processing device 10 receives answers to questions presented in the content as relevant information. Specifically, the information processing device 10 receives relevant information such as the skin color of infant B1's parents, whether or not the parents have allergies, whether or not the parents have developed atopic dermatitis, how easily the parents' skin reacts to rashes, the parents' dietary preferences, the dietary preferences of user U1 during pregnancy with infant B1, the activity level of user U1 during pregnancy with infant B1, and the sleep status of user U1 during pregnancy with infant B1. Furthermore, the information processing device 10 accepts information entered by user U1 into a predetermined application (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "pregnancy record application") that records information about the pregnant user U1 and the fetus (infant B1) as relevant information (for example, user U1's weight, the fetus's weight and height, user U1's dietary history during pregnancy, user U1's symptoms during pregnancy, user U1's lifestyle habits during pregnancy, etc.).

[0046] Next, the information processing device 10 estimates the physical characteristics of infant B1 based on the relevant information (step S3). For example, the information processing device 10 estimates the physical characteristics of infant B1 based on the similarity between the relevant information received in step S2 and the relevant information related to infants having specific physical characteristics.

[0047] Next, the information processing device 10 provides the terminal device 100 with information corresponding to the physical characteristics of infant B1 (step S4). For example, the information processing device 10 provides characteristic information indicating the physical characteristics of infant B1, information for selecting items (e.g., diapers, formula milk, baby clothes, baby wipes, etc.) corresponding to the physical characteristics of infant B1, and coping information indicating coping methods corresponding to the physical characteristics of infant B1. To give a specific example, if the physical characteristics of infant B1 are estimated to be "allergic," the information processing device 10 provides characteristic information indicating that characteristic, information suggesting the purchase of allergy-friendly formula milk, and coping information indicating coping methods when allergy symptoms appear. Furthermore, if the physical characteristics of infant B1 are estimated to be "prone to skin irritation," the information processing device 10 provides characteristic information indicating this characteristic, information suggesting the purchase of products to prevent skin irritation (for example, non-fuzzy clothing or moisturizers), and treatment information indicating methods to prevent skin irritation and how to deal with skin irritation if it occurs. To give a more specific example, if the characteristics are estimated to be "prone to skin irritation," the information processing device 10 provides treatment information such as the fact that squeezing diapers too much can cause skin irritation, that changing diapers too late can cause irritation, how to wipe the body during bathing, and how to wipe the bottom.

[0048] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 provides the terminal device 100 with application information suggesting an application for an analysis service as a means of determining the physical characteristics of infant B1 in more detail. Here, in the example in Figure 1, let's assume that user U1 has applied for the analysis service. In this case, the information processing device 10 makes a setting regarding the collection of meconium from infant B1 in the infant's birth plan. For example, the information processing device 10 notifies the terminal device used by the maternity hospital that user U1 has set as the place of delivery that the collection of meconium from infant B1 will be incorporated into the birth plan. The information processing device 10 also notifies the terminal device 100 of a suggestion to add a kit for collecting meconium to the list of items to prepare for childbirth.

[0049] Next, user U1, who has given birth to infant B1, takes care of infant B1 (step S5). For example, user U1 takes care of infant B1 based on characteristic information and coping information provided by the information processing device 10. In addition, user U1, or a nurse working at user U1's maternity hospital, collects meconium from infant B1.

[0050] Next, user U1 mails the meconium of infant B1 to an analysis laboratory that performs meconium analysis (step S6). Subsequently, the information processing device 10 receives relevant information related to infant B1 from the terminal device 100 during a predetermined period (e.g., 1 to 3 weeks) until the analysis results of the meconium are obtained from the analysis laboratory (step S7). For example, if user U1 is breastfeeding infant B1, the information processing device 10 receives relevant information indicating user U1's food preferences during the breastfeeding period (in other words, factors that influence infant B1 through breast milk). The information processing device 10 also receives information entered by user U1 into a predetermined application for recording childcare details (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "childcare record app") as relevant information. To give a specific example, the information processing device 10 provides user U1 with information that should be recorded in order to understand the physical characteristics of infant B1, and receives information entered by user U1 into the childcare record app according to the information provided. To give a more specific example, the information processing device 10 receives information such as how hard the infant B1's body was wiped to cause a rash, what user U1 ate before breastfeeding infant B1 and causing a rash, the degree of redness of the skin when the rash occurred, and image information of the affected area. The information processing device 10 also receives information indicating the actions taken by user U1 when infant B1 developed a rash (for example, applying baby powder or avoiding the consumption of certain foods).

[0051] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may provide characteristic information indicating the physical characteristics of infant B1, information for selecting items according to the physical characteristics of infant B1, and coping information indicating coping methods according to the physical characteristics of infant B1, based on the relevant information received in steps S2 and S7. In other words, the information processing device 10 may provide characteristic information (for example, whether infant B1's skin is stronger or weaker than estimated before birth) and coping information that reflect information obtained as a result of user U1 actually raising infant B1.

[0052] Next, the information processing device 10 obtains analysis information from the analysis server 200, which shows the results of the analysis performed by the analysis institution on the meconium of infant B1 (step S8). For example, the information processing device 10 obtains analysis information indicating whether infant B1 has allergies, whether or not atopic dermatitis has developed, skin type, sensitivity to food irritants, etc.

[0053] Next, the information processing device 10 estimates the physical characteristics of infant B1 based on the relevant information and analysis information received in steps S2 and S7 (step S9). For example, the information processing device 10 estimates the physical characteristics of infant B1 by reflecting the results of the estimation based on the relevant information received in steps S2 and S7 in the analysis information. To give a specific example, the information processing device 10 estimates that the actual skin of infant B1 is stronger or weaker than the skin strength of infant B1 indicated by the analysis information.

[0054] Next, the information processing device 10 provides the terminal device 100 with information corresponding to the physical characteristics of infant B1 estimated in step S9 (step S10). For example, the information processing device 10 provides characteristic information indicating the physical characteristics of infant B1 estimated in step S9, information for selecting items according to the physical characteristics of infant B1, and coping information indicating coping methods according to the physical characteristics of infant B1.

[0055] The information processing device 10 may also provide information based on the physical characteristics of infant B1 estimated based on relevant information (such as childcare records) (in other words, the current physical characteristics of infant B1), or the physical characteristics of infant B1 indicated by the analysis information (in other words, the future, innate characteristics of infant B1). For example, if, based on relevant information, the current physical characteristics of infant B1 are estimated to be "prone to skin irritation," and the analysis information indicates that the physical characteristics of infant B1 are "not prone to skin irritation," the information processing device 10 provides user U1 with information indicating that there will be no need to worry about the skin care of infant B1 in the future. Furthermore, if, based on the relevant information, the current physical characteristics of infant B1 are estimated to be "not prone to skin irritation," and the analysis information indicates that infant B1's physical characteristics are "prone to skin irritation" or "possible to develop atopic dermatitis," then the information processing device 10 provides user U1 with information that even if no skin abnormalities are currently present, attention should be paid to infant B1's skin care in the future. Furthermore, if, based on the relevant information, the current physical characteristics of infant B1 are estimated to be "not prone to skin irritation," and the analysis information indicates that infant B1's physical characteristics are "allergic," then the information processing device 10 provides user U1 with information that even if attention is not currently needed to care for infant B1's skin, attention should be paid to what is fed to the infant.

[0056] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may provide information based on the physical characteristics of infant B1 indicated by the analysis information. For example, if the analysis information indicates that infant B1's physical characteristics include being "sensitive to food stimuli," the information processing device 10 may provide information suggesting that when introducing solid foods to infant B1, it is best to start with mild-tasting foods.

[0057] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may provide messages corresponding to the relevant information entered by user U1. For example, if the amount of information entered by user U1 regarding pregnancy records and childcare records is above a predetermined threshold, the information processing device 10 will provide a message praising user U1's care during pregnancy and childcare. Also, if user U1 has taken appropriate measures regarding the physical characteristics of the infant based on relevant information and analysis information, the information processing device 10 will provide a message praising user U1's childcare.

[0058] Furthermore, the information processing device 10 may provide users who are raising infants with the corresponding characteristics with content that shows appropriate ways to deal with those characteristics, content that allows users in that user group to communicate with each other, and content (such as chat, seminars, or webinars) that allows user U1 to consult with experts or obtain information.

[0059] Next, user U1 takes care of infant B1 (step S11). For example, user U1 takes care of the infant based on characteristic information and coping information provided by the information processing device 10.

[0060] As described above, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment provides information corresponding to the physical characteristics of the infant, estimated based on analytical information obtained by analyzing the meconium of the infant. As a result, the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment can alleviate anxiety in childcare, as users can deepen their understanding of the infant's constitution and grasp how to deal with it, in situations where they have to continue raising the infant until the one-month checkup, worrying about things like the infant's constitution and whether they have allergies.

[0061] [2. Configuration of the Information Processing Device] Next, the configuration of the information processing device 10 in the provisioning processing system 1 shown in Figure 1 will be explained using Figure 2. Figure 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device according to the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the information processing device 10 has a communication unit 20, a storage unit 30, and a control unit 40.

[0062] (Regarding Communications Section 20) The communication unit 20 is implemented, for example, by a NIC (Network Interface Card). The communication unit 20 is connected to the network N by wire or wireless connection and transmits and receives information with terminal devices 100, analysis servers 200, etc.

[0063] (Regarding memory unit 30) The storage unit 30 is implemented by, for example, semiconductor memory elements such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory, or by storage devices such as hard disks and optical discs. As shown in Figure 7, the storage unit 30 has a user information database 31.

[0064] (Regarding User Information Database 31) The user information database 31 stores various types of information about the user. Here, an example of the information stored in the user information database 31 will be explained using Figure 3. Figure 3 is a diagram showing an example of a user information database according to the embodiment. In the example in Figure 3, the user information database 31 has items such as "User ID," "Infant ID," "Parent Information," "Pregnancy Record," "Childcare Record," "Analysis Information," and "Estimated Results."

[0065] "User ID" indicates identification information to identify the user. "Infant ID" indicates identification information to identify the infant being raised by the user. "Parent Information" indicates information about the infant's parents (user, etc.), such as information about the parents before, during, or after pregnancy, including information about their dietary preferences, information about the parents' skin characteristics (e.g., allergies or susceptibility to dry skin of the parents, susceptibility to skin rashes of the parents, susceptibility to skin rashes of the mother during menstruation, whether or not the parents have developed atopic dermatitis, etc.), and information about the mother during pregnancy (e.g., the mother's dietary preferences, activity level, sleep patterns, etc.). "Pregnancy Record" indicates records of the period during which the user is pregnant with the infant, such as information entered by the user into the pregnancy record app. "Childcare Record" indicates information about the infant's childcare record, such as information entered by the user into the childcare record app. "Analysis Information" indicates the results of the analysis of the infant's meconium. The "Estimated Results" show the estimated physical characteristics of the infant based on parental information, childcare records, and analytical data.

[0066] In other words, Figure 3 shows an example where an infant being raised by a user identified by user ID "UID#1" is identified by infant ID "BID#1", parent information is "Parent Information#1", pregnancy record is "Pregnancy Record#1", childcare record is "Childcare Record#1", analysis information is "Analysis Information#1", and estimation result is "Estimation Result#1".

[0067] (Regarding the control unit 40) The control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or MPU (Micro Processing Unit) executing various programs stored in the memory device inside the information processing device 10 using RAM as a working area. Alternatively, the control unit 40 is a controller, and is realized, for example, by an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 40 according to this embodiment has a distribution unit 41, a reception unit 42, an estimation unit 43, an acquisition unit 44, a provision unit 45, and a setting unit 46, and realizes or executes the information processing functions and operations described below.

[0068] (Regarding Distribution Section 41) The distribution unit 41 distributes content related to the meconium analysis service to the user. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the distribution unit 41 distributes content related to the analysis service to the terminal device 100. To give a specific example, the distribution unit 41 distributes content related to a so-called Q&A service about the skin of infant B1, with the aim of getting user U1 interested in the physical characteristics of infant B1 and the analysis service.

[0069] (Regarding reception desk 42) The reception unit 42 receives relevant information related to infants from users through content distributed by the distribution unit 41. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the reception unit 42 receives answers to questions presented in the content as relevant information and stores them in the user information database 31. The reception unit 42 also receives relevant information related to infant B1 from the terminal device 100 during a predetermined period until the meconium analysis results are obtained from the analysis institution and stores it in the user information database 31.

[0070] Furthermore, the reception unit 42 may receive relevant information indicating at least one of the following: information regarding the dietary preferences of the infant's parents, or information regarding the skin characteristics of the infant's parents. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the reception unit 42 receives relevant information indicating the skin color of the parents of infant B1, whether or not the parents have allergies, whether or not the parents have developed atopic dermatitis, how easily the parents' skin reacts to rashes, and the parents' dietary preferences.

[0071] Furthermore, the reception unit 42 may receive relevant information indicating the mother's dietary preferences, activity level, or sleep status during pregnancy with the infant. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, the reception unit 42 receives relevant information indicating the dietary preferences of user U1 during pregnancy with infant B1, the activity level of user U1 during pregnancy with infant B1, and the sleep status of user U1 during pregnancy with infant B1.

[0072] Furthermore, the reception unit 42 may accept related information that indicates at least one of the following: information regarding the pregnancy record of an infant or information regarding the childcare record of an infant. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the reception unit 42 accepts information entered into a pregnancy record app or a childcare record app as related information.

[0073] Furthermore, the reception unit 42 may receive relevant information indicating the condition of the infant's skin. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, the reception unit 42 receives information such as how hard the infant B1's body was wiped to cause a rash, what user U1 ate before breastfeeding infant B1 and causing a rash, the degree of redness of the skin when the rash occurred, and image information of the affected area.

[0074] (Regarding Estimation Section 43) The estimation unit 43 estimates the characteristics of infants based on the relevant information received by the reception unit 42. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the estimation unit 43 estimates the physical characteristics of infant B1 based on the similarity between the relevant information and relevant information related to infants with specific physical characteristics. The estimation unit 43 also estimates the physical characteristics of infant B1 by reflecting the results of the estimation based on the relevant information in the analysis information. The estimation unit 43 may also estimate the physical and mental characteristics of infants by utilizing knowledge about the influence of relevant information on infants, such as the parents' skin color, whether or not the parents have allergies, whether or not the parents have developed atopic dermatitis, the parents' susceptibility to skin rashes, the parents' dietary preferences, the mother's dietary preferences during pregnancy, activity levels, and sleep patterns, as well as various conventional techniques for estimating infant characteristics from relevant information.

[0075] (Regarding acquisition section 44) The acquisition unit 44 acquires analysis information showing the results of the analysis of the meconium of an infant. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the acquisition unit 44 acquires analysis information showing the results of the analysis of the meconium of infant B1 by the analysis institution from the analysis server 200 and stores it in the user information database 31.

[0076] (Regarding Section 45) The providing unit 45 provides users who have a predetermined relationship with the infant or toddler, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the infant or toddler, and response information indicating how to deal with the infant or toddler according to the characteristic information, based on the analysis information acquired by the acquisition unit 44. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the providing unit 45 provides characteristic information indicating the physical characteristics of infant or toddler B1, information for selecting items according to the physical characteristics of infant or toddler B1, and response information indicating how to deal with infant or toddler B1 according to the physical characteristics, based on the analysis information.

[0077] Furthermore, the providing unit 45 may provide characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the infant's skin, and treatment information indicating how to treat the infant according to those characteristics. For example, in the example in Figure 1, if the providing unit 45 estimates that the physical characteristics of infant B1 are "prone to skin irritation," it provides characteristic information indicating that characteristic, information suggesting the purchase of products to prevent skin irritation (for example, non-fuzzy clothing or moisturizers), and treatment information indicating methods to prevent skin irritation and how to treat skin irritation when it occurs.

[0078] Furthermore, the supply unit 45 may provide information relating to items that correspond to the characteristics and are used for raising infants. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the supply unit 45 provides information relating to items that correspond to the physical characteristics of infant B1, such as diapers, formula milk, baby clothes, and baby wipes.

[0079] Furthermore, if analysis information is not acquired by the acquisition unit 44, the providing unit 45 may provide information indicating the characteristics estimated by the estimation unit 43 and corresponding countermeasures information. If analysis information is acquired by the acquisition unit 44, the providing unit 45 may provide analysis information, characteristic information based on the characteristics estimated by the estimation unit 43, and corresponding countermeasures information. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the providing unit 45 provides information indicating the physical characteristics of infant B1 estimated based on relevant information and corresponding countermeasures information during the period when user U1 is pregnant with infant B1, or during a predetermined period until the analysis results of infant B1's meconium are obtained from the analysis institution. Furthermore, if analysis information indicating the results of the analysis of infant B1's meconium is acquired from the analysis server 200, the providing unit 45 provides information indicating the physical characteristics of infant B1 estimated by reflecting the estimation results based on relevant information in the analysis information, and corresponding countermeasures information.

[0080] Furthermore, the providing unit 45 may provide additional messages corresponding to the actions taken by the user towards the infant, based on at least one of the following: information regarding the infant's pregnancy records or information regarding the infant's childcare records. For example, in the example in Figure 1, if the amount of information in the pregnancy and childcare records entered by user U1 is above a predetermined threshold, the providing unit 45 will provide a message praising user U1's care and childcare during pregnancy. Also, if user U1 has taken appropriate measures regarding the infant's physical characteristics based on related information and analytical information, or if improvements have been observed in the infant's skin, the providing unit 45 will provide a message praising user U1's childcare. In addition, if the postpartum skin condition is better than predicted beforehand (pre-birth), the providing unit 45 may provide a message praising user U1 and infant B1.

[0081] Furthermore, if the user has not applied for the service during pregnancy, the service provider 45 may provide the user with additional application information regarding the application for the service. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, the service provider 45 provides the terminal device 100 with application information suggesting an application for the analysis service as a means of determining the physical characteristics of infant B1 in more detail.

[0082] Furthermore, the provisioning unit 45 may provide users with predetermined content corresponding to the characteristic information. For example, in the example in Figure 1, the provisioning unit 45 provides a group of users who are raising infants with the corresponding characteristics with content that shows appropriate ways to deal with those characteristics, and content that allows users in that group to communicate with each other.

[0083] The various types of information provided by the providing unit 45 may be stored in the storage unit 30, or they may be stored in a device different from the information processing device 10, and the information processing device 10 may retrieve them from that device as appropriate, and the providing unit 45 may then provide the various types of information.

[0084] (Regarding setting section 46) When a user applies for the service, the settings unit 46 configures the birth plan for the infant regarding the collection of meconium. For example, in the example shown in Figure 1, the settings unit 46 notifies the terminal device used by the maternity hospital designated by user U1 as the delivery destination that the collection of meconium from infant B1 will be incorporated into the birth plan. The settings unit 46 also notifies the terminal device of a suggestion to add a kit for collecting meconium to the list of items to prepare for childbirth.

[0085] [3. Processing Procedure] Next, the procedure for the provisioning process executed by the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment will be explained using Figure 4. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the provisioning process executed by the information processing device according to the embodiment.

[0086] As shown in Figure 4, the information processing device 10 delivers content related to a service for analyzing meconium (step S101). Next, the information processing device 10 receives relevant information related to the infant (step S102). Subsequently, the information processing device 10 determines whether or not it has obtained analysis information showing the results of the meconium analysis (step S103). If analysis information has been obtained (step S103; Yes), the information processing device 10 provides information showing the characteristics of the infant based on the analysis information and relevant information, and countermeasures according to those characteristics (step S104), and then terminates the process.

[0087] On the other hand, if no analysis information has been obtained (Step S103; No), the system provides information indicating the characteristics of infants and toddlers based on relevant information, along with information on appropriate responses to those characteristics (Step S105), and then terminates the process.

[0088] [4. Variations] The information processing device 10 described above may be implemented in various other forms besides the embodiment described above.

[0089] [4-1. Content to be provided after infants and toddlers have grown up] In the embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the providing unit 45 provides characteristic information and treatment information, but the functions of the providing unit 45 are not limited to such examples. For example, the providing unit 45 may provide content that summarizes characteristic information, treatment information, information entered into the pregnancy record app, information entered into the childcare record app, etc., for provision after the infant has grown up. To give a specific example, the providing unit 45 may provide content that summarizes photos of the mother in her final month of pregnancy, ultrasound images of the fetus, photos of the birth, and childcare records after birth. The information processing device 10 may print the summarized information on a predetermined medium and further provide a medium (for example, a book) on which the umbilical cord, handprints and footprints taken at the maternity hospital, and messages from the user to the infant have been added.

[0090] [4-2. Reminders regarding meconium excretion] In the above-described embodiment, the information processing device 10 may send a reminder regarding the collection of meconium at the time when it is estimated that an infant has been born. For example, the information processing device 10 may send a reminder regarding the collection of meconium at a time corresponding to the expected date of delivery, or at a time when a predetermined operation indicating that a birth has occurred is performed in an application provided by the information processing device 10. The information processing device 10 may also notify the user of suggestions such as attaching a detection device capable of detecting diaper excretion (urination, defecation) to the diaper, or using a diaper that changes color according to excretion, for the purpose of detecting the excretion of meconium.

[0091] [4-3. Characteristics of Infants and Toddlers] In the embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the information processing device 10 provides information based on the physical characteristics of the infant estimated based on relevant information, and the physical characteristics of the infant indicated by the analysis information. However, the functions of the information processing device 10 are not limited to such examples. For example, the information processing device 10 may provide information based on the mental characteristics of the infant, such as daily rhythm, susceptibility to disruption of daily rhythm, sensitivity to stimuli, and temperament. To give a specific example, if the mental characteristics of the infant indicate that they are "prone to disruption of daily rhythm," the information processing device 10 may provide the user with information recommending ways of spending time that will correct their daily rhythm.

[0092] [4-4. Others] Of the processes described above as being performed automatically, all or part of them may be performed manually. Furthermore, all or part of the processes described as being performed manually may be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, specific names, and various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be changed at will unless otherwise specified. For example, the various information shown in each drawing is not limited to the information illustrated.

[0093] Furthermore, each component of the illustrated device is a functional concept and does not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each device are not limited to those shown. Moreover, each component may be configured by functionally or physically distributing and integrating all or part of it in any unit, depending on various loads and usage conditions. In addition, the processes described above may be combined and executed as appropriate, within a non-contradictory range.

[0094] [5. Hardware Configuration] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the information processing device 10, terminal device 100, and analysis server 200 are realized by a computer 1000 having a configuration such as that shown in Figure 5. Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration. The computer 1000 is connected to an output device 1010 and an input device 1020, and the arithmetic unit 1030, cache 1040, memory 1050, output IF (Interface) 1060, input IF 1070, and network IF 1080 are connected by a bus 1090.

[0095] The arithmetic unit 1030 operates based on programs stored in the cache 1040 and memory 1050, as well as programs read from the input device 1020, and executes various processes. The cache 1040 is a cache that temporarily stores data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations, such as RAM. The memory 1050 is a storage device in which data used by the arithmetic unit 1030 for various calculations and various databases are registered, and is implemented as ROM (Read Only Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), flash memory, etc.

[0096] The output IF1060 is an interface for transmitting information to be output to output devices 1010 that output various types of information, such as monitors and printers. This interface may be implemented using connectors of standards such as USB (Universal Serial Bus), DVI (Digital Visual Interface), or HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface). On the other hand, the input IF1070 is an interface for receiving information from various input devices 1020, such as mice, keyboards, and scanners. This interface may be implemented using USB, for example.

[0097] For example, the input device 1020 may be implemented by a device that reads information from optical recording media such as CDs (Compact Discs), DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs), PDs (Phase Change Rewritable Disks), magneto-optical recording media such as MOs (Magneto-Optical disks), tape media, magnetic recording media, or semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the input device 1020 may be implemented by an external storage medium such as a USB memory stick.

[0098] The network IF1080 has the function of receiving data from other devices via network N and sending it to the arithmetic unit 1030, and also transmitting data generated by the arithmetic unit 1030 to other devices via network N.

[0099] Here, the arithmetic unit 1030 controls the output device 1010 and the input device 1020 via the output IF 1060 and the input IF 1070. For example, the arithmetic unit 1030 loads a program from the input device 1020 or memory 1050 onto the cache 1040 and executes the loaded program. For example, if the computer 1000 functions as an information processing device 10, the arithmetic unit 1030 of the computer 1000 will realize the functions of the control unit 130 by executing the program loaded onto the cache 1040.

[0100] The embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings. However, these are illustrative examples, and the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in various forms with modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, starting with the embodiments described in the disclosure section of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "section, module, unit" used above can be replaced with "means," "circuit," etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0101] 1. Processing System 10 Information Processing Devices 20 Communications Department 30 Storage section 31. User Information Database 40 Control Unit 41 Distribution Department 42 Reception Department 43 Estimation part 44 Acquisition Department 45 Providing Department 46 Settings section 100 terminal devices 200 analysis servers

Claims

1. A reception procedure for receiving relevant information related to an infant from a user who has a predetermined relationship with the infant, via content relating to a service for analyzing meconium. An estimation procedure for estimating the characteristics of the infant based on the relevant information received through the aforementioned reception procedure, Procedures for obtaining analytical information showing the results of analyzing meconium in infants, If the analysis information is not obtained by the acquisition procedure, the user is provided with information indicating the characteristics estimated by the estimation procedure and action information indicating how to deal with the infant in accordance with the characteristics estimated by the estimation procedure. If the analysis information is obtained by the acquisition procedure, the user is provided with the analysis information, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the infant based on the characteristics estimated by the estimation procedure, and action information indicating how to deal with the infant in accordance with the characteristic information. A program provided that is characterized by causing a computer to execute it.

2. The aforementioned provision procedure is, The present invention provides characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the infant's skin, and treatment information indicating how to treat the infant according to those characteristics. The program provided according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned provision procedure is, The provided information concerns articles corresponding to the aforementioned characteristics, and which are articles used for the care of infants and young children. The provided program according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The aforementioned registration procedure is as follows: The system accepts the aforementioned related information, which includes at least one of the following: information regarding the dietary preferences of the parents of the infant; or information regarding the skin characteristics of the parents of the infant. The program provided according to any one of features 1 to 3.

5. The aforementioned registration procedure is as follows: The system accepts the aforementioned related information, which includes information regarding the mother's dietary preferences, activity level, or sleep patterns during pregnancy of the infant. The program provided according to any one of features 1 to 4.

6. The aforementioned registration procedure is as follows: The system accepts the aforementioned related information, which includes at least one of the following: information regarding the pregnancy records of the infant or information regarding the childcare records of the infant. The program provided according to any one of features 1 to 4.

7. The aforementioned provision procedure is, Based on information regarding the infant's pregnancy records or information regarding the infant's childcare records, the user will provide further messages corresponding to the actions taken towards the infant. The program provided according to feature 6.

8. The aforementioned registration procedure is as follows: The system accepts the aforementioned related information that indicates information regarding the skin condition of the infant. The provided program according to any one of features 1 to 7.

9. The aforementioned provision procedure is, If the user has not applied for the service while pregnant, the application information regarding the application for the service will be provided to the user. The provided program according to any one of features 1 to 8.

10. If the aforementioned user applies for the aforementioned service, the setting procedure for setting the infant's birth plan to include the collection of meconium for the infant will be performed. The provided program according to claim 9, further comprising:

11. The aforementioned provision procedure is, The user is further provided with predetermined content corresponding to the aforementioned characteristic information. The provided program according to any one of features 1 to 10.

12. A reception unit that receives relevant information related to an infant from a user having a predetermined relationship with the infant, via content relating to a service for analyzing meconium. An estimation unit that estimates the characteristics of the infant based on the relevant information received by the reception unit, An acquisition unit that obtains analytical information showing the results of analyzing meconium in infants, If the acquisition unit does not acquire the analysis information, the provision unit provides the user with information indicating the characteristics estimated by the estimation unit and action information indicating how to deal with the infant in accordance with the characteristics estimated by the estimation unit. If the acquisition unit acquires the analysis information, the provision unit provides the user with the analysis information, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the infant based on the characteristics estimated by the estimation unit, and action information indicating how to deal with the infant in accordance with the characteristic information. A serving device characterized by comprising the following features.

13. A method of provision performed by a computer, A service that analyzes meconium, through which relevant information related to infants is received from users who have a predetermined relationship with the infant; An estimation step for estimating the characteristics of the infant based on the relevant information received in the aforementioned reception step, The acquisition process involves obtaining analytical information that shows the results of analyzing meconium in infants, and If the analysis information is not obtained through the acquisition step, the user is provided with information indicating the characteristics estimated through the estimation step and action information indicating how to deal with the infant in accordance with the characteristics estimated through the estimation step. If the analysis information is obtained through the acquisition step, the user is provided with the analysis information, characteristic information indicating the characteristics of the infant based on the characteristics estimated through the estimation step, and action information indicating how to deal with the infant in accordance with the characteristic information. A method of providing a product characterized by including the following:

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